Eph 6:5-9

It is estimated that one-third of the population in Ephesus were slaves. While Paul does not condone slavery, he provides guidance on how to be a follower of Jesus in such an environment. In fact, through the rise of Christianity in the years to come, slavery would eventually come to an end.

To the slave or worker Paul reminds them that their eyes should be on the Lord, not their human master. This principle ought to be adopted in the workplace today as well.

Ephesians 6:6-8
Obey them not only to win their favour when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

At the end of the day, everything we do should be to the glory of God. A boss might pay a salary, but God is ultimately our provider. A job is also just for a season, but God is forever.

The question we should always ask ourselves is, “What does loving God and loving people look like for me in this season?”

To the master or bosses Paul reminds them that when we all one day stand before the throne of God, we will stand equally & God will not favour titles or positions that we gained on earth. “There is no favouritism with God” (v9).

Employers ought to remember that while these people might be your workers, they are ultimately God’s children and should be treated accordingly.

While Paul encourages both slaves and masters, employers and employees to look to God, he also reminds them that even if they don’t, God is always watching them.